Agree. If nobody took a knock yesterday that we don't know about, Ralls will have to wait to come off the bench. Looks like Nelson is next in the pecking order at CB instead of NG - got a feeling that Morison is unsure about McGuinness.
Not that I was there but I recall City's football special train being stoned by Leicester fans around that period - was that the game?
Brizzlebluebird’s (& Wife’s) view from the sidelines – Musings from the Pick & Shovel So, as the dust settles on a frantic but excellent Bluebirds win on the opening day of the season, Mrs Brizzle and I shared our thoughts with each other over a pint in our garden bar the Pick & Shovel. The plusses Well, three fairly unexpected points for a starter… plus as has been mentioned on the board a clean sheet to boot, despite having a 12 minute spell where we were down to 10 men against one of the early season favourites. Some encouraging early signs that partnerships are already starting to form within the team. Early on in the match some of Ojo & Sawyers link up play with Ojo cutting in looked quite effective. It did subside a little as the game wore on but a positive all the same. JC & O’Dowda. This looked like a really effective partnership throughout and definitely one to keep an eye on as the season progresses. Our West Country neighbours (Mrs Brizzle included) will tell you that O’Dowda will flatter to deceive and is only likely to put in the odd decent shift, but if the gaffer can make him feel like a key component in the side, hopefully he’ll get all the encouragement he needs to keep up the standards he set yesterday. Kipre the colossus. One of several players with a real claim for man of the match. Comfortable on the ball, strong in the air and calm throughout. Again, another who’s set high standards already, long may it continue. Wintle the warrior. Mine and Mrs Brizzle’s man of the match. The guy was everywhere and despite an early misplaced pass that led to Norwich’s ONLY shot on target (leading to a good save from Allsop) he was strong in every area of the game, defensively covering and playing out from deep to set up City attacks, racking up an impressive 50 passes, surpassing even the supposedly “gifted” Todd C*ntwell in both quantity and accuracy. On the subject of C*ntwell, Mrs Brizzle did make comment that if he’s going to make a fashion statement with an alice band then he really should ensure it co-ordinated with his kit! Likewise she was also pleased that the sun didn’t break through for fear that Ginger Josh Sargent may combust in any kind of heat. The downsides/disappointments NG’s sending off. I thought it was harsh for him to be booked during the melee and his ability to read the game well may be missed. Watters still looking a bit off the pace. It wasn’t Max’s day again yesterday with things not quite coming off for him and some of his work-rate (to me at least) lacking. There was also a lack of instinctive movement when in the box, further highlighting the need for at least one more forward to be brought in. Norwich’s playacting and constant diving. I’m not sure if it’s a hangover from their Premier League season but both Pukki & C*ntwell spent almost as much time sat on the floor moaning as they did on their feet. I’ve always liked Pukki but yesterday he was very poor from a sporting perspective. The referee. We all dread certain refs, and this one can add his name to the roll of shame for his performance at the CCS. He was so bad it prompted on cheeky scamp next to us to state he was the worst ref we’d had this season! How Hanley didn’t get a straight red for his part in the melee (in which we incredibly picked up 3 yellows to Hanley’s 1) I’ll never know (Disclaimer – I’ve not watched it back yet). All in all a highly encouraging start. We won’t get as much luck in all our games (thank you Grange End crossbar) but the change in style was VERY evident, even if it was occasionally a little clunky and a bit harum-scarum at times it still proved enjoyable watching. The Match Winning Moment – Romaine you Little Gem! Up Next – Reading away 6th August. With the Royals suffering defeat on the opening day away at Blackpool can they get their act together or will the Bluebirds maintain their 100% record so far this season? Blooooooooooooooobirds!
Excellent summary Brizzle. I sense a calming influence in there from Mrs. Brizzle. I look forward to more of the same as the season progresses.
Hey Brizz - a pint of what was that in the garden bar (potting shed?). It must have been pretty weak stuff for you to write such sense.......
If it's a pirate station, it must be coming from the same blue side of their city.. Or is that what you meant?
Not too far wrong there Sparky. At present we have Amstel on draught... (Have a couple of bottled Peroni in the fridge though and a Moretti lined up next on tap).
